Students choosing university 'based on costs'

Students are increasingly likely to consider costs when opting where to study for their degree, it has been claimed.

A new study by the National Union of Students (NUS) has found that the current economic climate is leading many undergraduates to search for a cheaper way to complete their education.

Half of the 505 university applicants questioned said the recession had affected their choice of university rather than the quality of teaching available.

Many said they had chosen institutions that meant they could live at home, while others said they had applied to places where travel costs would be lower or they would qualify for extra funding.

NUS president Wes Streeting said: "Clearly, students applying for university this year have faced some stark choices as a result of the recession. Rather than simply choosing the best course or campus for them, half are now sadly having to take money into consideration."

A recent report commissioned by the government, the Institute for Employment Studies and the National Centre for Social Research found that a rise in tuition fees had caused graduate debts to rise by two-thirds since 2005.